New process for the preparation of 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one compounds of the Formula (I) and (II) and to compounds of Formula (II) as such. The present compounds of Formula (II) can be used as intermediates in the preparation of thiazolidin-4-one derivatives of the General Formula (II), said derivatives being described in WO 2005/054215. These compounds of General Formula (II) are described in WO 2005/054215 to act as immunosuppressive agents.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one compounds of the Formula (I) and (II) and to compounds of Formula (II) as such. The present compounds of Formula (II) can be used as intermediates in the preparation of thiazolidin-4-one derivatives of the General Formula (II), said derivatives being described in the PCT Patent Application with the publication number WO 2005/054215. These compounds of General Formula (II) are described in WO 2005/054215 to act as immunosuppressive agents.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of a compound of the Formula (I):

wherein

R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from C₁₋₇-alkyl and halogen; and

R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl; which process comprises reacting a compound of the formula R¹—N═C═S, wherein R¹ is as defined for Formula (I), with a compound of the formula R²—NH₂, wherein R² is as defined for Formula (I), followed by reaction with bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base.

Preferably the above process is performed without the isolation and/or purification of intermediates such as the thiourea intermediate that occurs after reacting a compound of Structure 1 with a compound of Structure 2.

Preferably the pyridine base that is used in the preparation processes described herein is pyridine, lutidine or a cholidine, preferably pyridine.

Preferably the above process is used to prepare compounds of Formula (I), wherein

R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with C₁₋₇-alkyl (such as especially methyl) or halogen, and R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl (such as especially propyl, isopropyl or butyl).

More preferably the above process is used to prepare compounds of Formula (I), wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with methyl or chloro, and R² represents propyl, isopropyl or butyl.

Especially preferred, the above process is used to prepare compounds of Formula (I) selected from the group consisting of:

-   2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   3-phenyl-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-thiazolidin-4-one, -   2-[(Z)-n-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, and -   2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (II):

wherein

R¹ and R² are as defined for Formula (I) above; and

R³ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, or halogen;

which process comprises preparing a compound of Formula (I) according to the procedure described above and reacting such compound of Formula (I) with a compound of Structure 3:

wherein R³ is as defined for Formula (II) above.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (II) as described above, wherein the compound of Formula (I) is reacted with the compound of Structure 3 in the presence of acetic acid and a base (especially sodium acetate), preferably at elevated temperatures, especially at temperatures between 40 and 80° C., preferably at 55° C. The reaction can also be carried out in a non-polar solvent such as toluene or benzene in the presence of an amine such as pyrrolidine or piperidine.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of the Formula (II), wherein R¹, R² and R³ are as defined above, which process comprises reacting a compound of the formula R¹—N═C═S, wherein R¹ is as defined for Formula (I), with a compound of the formula R²—NH₂, wherein R² is as defined for Formula (I), followed by reaction with bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base, such as especially pyridine, to obtain a compound of Formula (I) (especially wherein the preparation of the compound of Formula (I) occurs without the isolation and/or purification of intermediates), followed by reaction with a compound of Structure 3, wherein R³ is as defined above, characterized in that the compound of Formula (I) is not isolated and/or purified, i.e. for example without any extractive aqueous work-up and concentration to dryness.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (II) as described in the preceding paragraph, wherein the preparation of the compound of Formula (I) occurs in the presence of dichloromethane, followed by a solvent change in order that the reaction with a compound of Structure 3 occurs in the solvent acetic acid and in the presence of a base (especially sodium acetate), preferably at elevated temperatures, especially at temperatures between 40 and 80° C., preferably at 55° C. The reaction with a compound of Structure 3 can also be carried out in a non-polar solvent such as toluene or benzene in the presence of an amine such as pyrrolidine or piperidine.

Preferably the above processes are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II), wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with C₁₋₇-alkyl (such as especially methyl) or halogen, R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl (such as especially propyl, isopropyl or butyl), and R³ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkoxy (such as especially methoxy), or halogen.

More preferably the above processes are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II), wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with methyl or chloro, R² represents propyl, isopropyl or butyl, and R³ represents hydrogen, methoxy, or chloro.

Especially preferred, the above processes are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II) selected from the group consisting of:

-   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one,     and -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one.

Also especially preferred, the above processes are used to prepare compounds of Formula (II) selected from the group consisting of:

-   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-yidene)-2-[(Z)-propylmino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one,     and -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one.

In a further aspect the present invention relates to a compound of the Formula (II), wherein

R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from C₁₋₇-alkyl and halogen;

R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl; and

R³ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, or halogen.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of the Formula (II), wherein

R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with C₁₋₇-alkyl (such as especially methyl) or halogen;

R² represents C₁₋₇₇-alkyl (such as especially propyl, isopropyl or butyl); and

R³ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkoxy (such as especially methoxy), or halogen.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of the Formula (II), wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with methyl or chloro, R² represents propyl, isopropyl or butyl, and R³ represents hydrogen, methoxy, or chloro.

In a more specific embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of Formula (II) selected from the group consisting of:

-   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, -   5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one,     and -   5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one.

Compounds of Formula (II) described herein can be transformed into the compounds of General Formula (II) described in the patent application WO 2005/054215 using standard methods for the alkylation of phenols, like reaction in a solvent such as ethanol in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate or potassium tert-butoxide, with an appropriate alkyl halide, alkyl tosylate or alkyl triflate.

Any reference hereinbefore or hereinafter to a compound of Formula (I), Formula (II) or Structure 3 is to be understood as referring also to salts of such a compound, as appropriate and expedient.

The term C₁₋₇-alkyl as used herein means saturated, straight or branched chain groups with one to seven carbon atoms. C₁₋₇-alkyl as used for R² is preferably n-propyl, isopropyl or n-butyl.

The term C₁₋₇-alkoxy as used herein means an R—O— group, wherein R is C₁₋₇-alkyl.

The term halogen as used herein means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo, preferably chloro.

According to the invention, the compounds of Formulae (I) and (II) are manufactured by the methods given below. In general, they are prepared according to the general sequence of reactions outlined below in the General Reaction Scheme.

According to the General Reaction Scheme, compounds of the Formula (II) are prepared following Method B by reacting a compound of Formula (I) with a compound of Structure 3, for instance, in a solvent such as acetic acid at elevated temperatures and in the presence of a base such as sodium acetate. The required compounds of Formula (I) are prepared following Method A by reacting an isothiocyanate of Structure 1 successively with an amine of Structure 2, bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base in a solvent such as dichloromethane. Alternatively, compounds of Formula (II) can be prepared following Method C without isolating and/or purifying the compounds of Formula (I), such that an isothiocyanate of Structure 1 is reacted successively with an amine of Structure 2, bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base in a solvent such as dichloromethane, followed by the addition of an aldehyde of Structure 3, for instance, in a solvent such as acetic acid at elevated temperatures and in the presence of a base such as sodium acetate. The compounds of Structure 1, 2 and 3 are either commercially available or can be prepared according to procedures known to a person skilled in the art.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the invention.

All temperatures given are external temperatures and are stated in ° C. Compounds are characterized by ¹H-NMR (400 MHz) or ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz) (Bruker; chemical shifts are given in ppm relative to the solvent used; multiplicities: s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, p=pentuplet, hex=hexet, hept=heptet, m=multiplet, br=broad, coupling constants are given in Hz); by LC-MS (Finnigan Navigator with HP 1100 Binary Pump and DAD, column: 4.6×50 mm, Zorbax SB-AQ, 5 μm, 120 Å, gradient: 5-95% acetonitrile in water, 1 min, with 0.04% trifluoroacetic acid, flow: 4.5 mL/min), t_(R) is given in minutes. Melting point is measured on Bichi melting point apparatus B540 and is not corrected.

Abbreviations:

DMSO dimethylsulfoxide

h hour(s)

LC-MS liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

min minute(s)

m.p. melting point

t_(R) retention time

Typical procedure for the preparation of the 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-ones of Formula (I) (Method A)

To a solution of an arylisothiocyanate of Structure 1 (14.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 mL) is added portionwise an alkyl amine of Structure 2 (14.8 mmol) at 20° C. The solution is stirred at 20° C. for 15 min. The solution is cooled to 000° C. Bromo-acetyl bromide (1.287 mL, 14.8 mmol) is added carefully such that the temperature does not rise above 5° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 15 min. To the reaction mixture is added pyridine (2.453 mL, 30.3 mmol) at 00° C. The mixture is stirred for another 15 min. The mixture is warmed to 20° C. The reaction mixture is washed with water (10 mL). The aqueous layer is extracted with dichloromethane (10 mL). The organic layers are combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one of Formula (I).

Scaffold 1:

2-[(Z)-Isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is prepared as described in Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.58 min, [M+1]⁺=235; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.51-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.29 (m, 2H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 3.53 (hept, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 1.15 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 6H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 171.3, 135.2, 129.0, 128.5, 128.0, 125.8, 53.8, 32.6, 23.2.

Scaffold 2:

3-Phenyl-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-thiazolidin-4-one is prepared as described in Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.60 min, [M+1]⁺=235; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.51-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.24 (m, 2H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 3.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.60 (hex, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 0.91 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 171.3, 135.1, 129.2, 128.7, 128.0, 121.0, 54.2, 32.7, 23.5, 11.8.

Scaffold 3:

2-[(Z)-n-Butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is prepared as described in Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.69 min, [M+1]⁺=249; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.52-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.28 (m, 2H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 3.32 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.58 (p, 2H), 1.35 (sex, J₁=7.2, 2H), 0.93 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 171.3, 135.1, 129.2, 128.7, 128.0, 121.0, 52.2, 32.7, 32.3, 20.5, 13.9.

Scaffold 4:

2-[(Z)-Isopropylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.67 min, [M+1]⁺=249; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.35-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.13 (m, 1H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 3.51 (hept, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 1.12 (d, 3H), 1.11 (d, 3H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 171.1, 136.1, 134.6, 131.1, 129.2, 128.6, 126.9, 53.9, 32.6, 23.4, 23.3, 17.6.

Scaffold 5:

2-[(Z)-Isopropylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is prepared as described in Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.76 min, [M+1]⁺=269; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.43-7.20 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.51 (hept, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 1.15 (d, 6H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): 6171.0, 136.2, 134.4, 129.9, 128.7, 128.5, 126.4, 53.9, 32.5, 23.3.

Scaffold 6:

2-[(Z)-Propylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method A. LC-MS: t_(R)=0.67 min, [M+1]⁺=249; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.34-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.14-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.02 (s, 2H), 3.34-3.22 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.63-1.54 (m, 2H), 0.90 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); ¹³C-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 171.1, 136.1, 134.5, 131.1, 129.4, 128.6, 127.1, 54.4, 32.6, 23.6, 17.6, 11.8.

TABLE 1 Summary of the results of the synthesis of the 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-ones of Formula (I) Purity of compound of Ratio of Formula (I) by LC-MS Scaffold Compound Yield [%] isomers^(a)) [area %]^(b)) 1 (I)a 79 95.0:5.0 78.5 2 (I)b 53 91.5:8.5 85.4 3 (I)c 74 93.0:7.0 89.0 4 (I)d 73 97.0:3.0 93.6 5 (I)e 77 96.6:3.4 90.1 6 (I)f 72 95.5:4.5 85.4 ^(a))Determined by ¹H-NMR ^(b))at 230 nm

The ratio of isomers as given in the above Table 1 refers to the ratio of the major regioisomer of Formula (I) to the minor regioisomer of Formula (III) as determined by ¹H-NMR.

Typical Procedure for the Knoevenagel Condensation of Compounds of Formula (I) with Compounds of Structure 3 to Give Compounds of Formula (II) (Method B)

A solution of a 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one of Formula (I) (4.27 mmol), a 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde of Structure 3 (4.27 mmol) and sodium acetate (700 mg, 8.54 mmol) in acetic acid (10 mL) is stirred at 60° C. for 15 h. The suspension is cooled to 20° C. and filtered. The cake on the nutsche is washed with a mixture of water and acetic acid (5 mL, 1/1 [v]/[v]). The product is dried under reduced pressure.

Example 1

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.02 min, [M+1]⁺=373;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 10.9 (s br, 1H), 7.68-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.49 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.15 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (hept, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 1.10 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 6H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 8166.0, 155.2, 146.1, 135.9, 132.4, 130.4, 129.3, 128.9, 128.8, 126.3, 121.0, 119.1, 117.7, 54.8, 24.0;

m.p.: 270° C.

Example 2

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.01 min, [M+1]⁺=373;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 10.2 (s br, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 (hex, J=7.3, 2H), 0.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 166.1, 155.2, 147.8, 135.9, 132.4, 130.3, 129.3, 128.9, 128.8, 126.3, 121.0, 119.2, 117.7, 54.7, 23.8, 12.2;

m.p.: 200° C.

Example 3

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.05 min, [M+1]⁺=387;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 11.0 (s br, 1H), 7.69-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.15 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.33 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54-1.46 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.25 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 166.0, 155.4, 147.7, 135.9, 132.5, 130.3, 129.4, 128.95, 128.86, 128.2, 126.2, 121.0, 119.1, 117.7, 52.7, 32.7, 20.4, 14.2;

m.p.: 192° C.

Example 4

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.04 min, [M+1]⁺=387;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 11.0 (s br, 1H), 7.70-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.25 (m, 4H), 7.15 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (hept, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.10 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 3H), 1.08 (d, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 165.8, 155.3, 145.3, 136.3, 135.2, 132.5, 131.1, 130.4, 129.50, 129.46, 129.0, 127.3, 126.2, 121.1, 119.0, 117.7, 54.9, 24.1, 24.0, 17.6;

m.p.: 252° C.

Example 5

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.07 min, [M+1]⁺=407;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 11.0 (s br, 1H), 7.68-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 4H), 7.39-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (hept, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 1.10 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 165.9, 155.5, 145.9, 137.2, 133.3, 132.5, 130.9, 130.4, 129.05, 129.01, 128.9, 127.9, 126.1, 121.1, 118.8, 117.8, 54.8, 24.0;

m.p.: 272° C.

Example 6

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method B.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.03 min, [M+1]⁺=387;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 11.0 (s br, 1H), 7.70-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.25 (m, 4H), 7.15 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.36-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.56-1.47 (m, 2H), 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 165.8, 155.3, 147.0, 136.3, 135.2, 132.5, 131.1, 130.3, 129.53, 129.50, 129.0, 127.3, 126.2, 121.1, 119.0, 117.8, 54.8, 23.9, 17.6, 12.2;

m.p.: 199° C.

TABLE 2 Summary of the results of the Knoevenagel reactions yielding compounds of Formula (II), following Method B Purity of compound of Formula (II) by LC-MS Example Compound Yield [%] [area %]^(a)) 1 (II)a 71 100 2 (II)b 77 100 3 (II)c 84 100 4 (II)d 73 100 5 (II)e 60 100 6 (II)f 69 100 ^(a))at 254 nm

Typical One-Pot Procedure for the Preparation of the Knoevenagel Products of Formula (II) (Method C)

To a solution of an arylisothiocyanate of Structure 1 (14.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 mL) is added portionwise an alkyl amine of Structure 2 (14.8 mmol) at 20° C. The solution is stirred at 20° C. for 15 min. The solution is cooled to 0° C. Bromo-acetyl bromide (1.287 mL, 14.8 mmol) is added carefully such that the temperature does not rise above 5° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 0° C. for 15 min. To the reaction mixture is added pyridine (2.453 mL, 30.3 mmol) at 0° C. The mixture is stirred for another 15 min. The mixture is warmed to 20° C. An in-process control is performed to determine the ratio of the regioisomers of Formula (I) and (III). Dichloromethane is removed under reduced pressure. To the residue is added a 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde of Structure 3 (14.8 mmol), sodium acetate (2.427 g, 29.6 mmol) and acetic acid (20 mL). The reaction mixture is stirred at 60° C. for 15 h. The suspension is cooled to 20° C. and water (20 mL) is added. The suspension is filtered. The cake on the nutsche is washed with a mixture of water and acetic acid (10 mL, 1/1 [v]/[v]). The product is dried under reduced pressure.

In an alternative Method C′, the same procedure is followed as described for Method C above, except for the following variations: The major part of dichloromethane is removed at ambient pressure at elevated temperatures (55-65° C.). Instead of cooling the suspension to 20° C. and adding water after the reaction with the benzaldehyde of Structure 3, more solvent is removed under reduced pressure and 75-85° C., and water (20 mL) is added at 60° C. The suspension is then filtered and the cake on the nutsche is washed with a mixture of water and acetic acid (10 mL), optionally followed by a wash with water (10 mL). The product is then dried under reduced pressure at 20-75° C.

Example 7

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

For analytical data see Example 1.

Example 8

5-(4-Hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=0.93 min, [M+1]⁺=339;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 10.2 (s br, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 (hex, J=7.3, 2H), 0.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 166.3, 159.9, 148.2, 136.0, 132.6, 130.3, 129.3, 129.0, 128.8, 125.0, 117.3, 116.8, 54.6, 23.8, 12.2;

m.p.: 232° C.

Example 9

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

For analytical data see Example 2.

Example 10

5-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=0.95 min, [M+1]⁺=369;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 9.84 (s br, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.53-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 (hex, J=7.3, 2H), 0.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): 6166.2, 149.4, 148.4, 135.9, 130.7, 129.4, 129.0, 128.8, 125.4, 123.9, 121.0, 117.5, 116.7, 115.1, 56.2, 54.5, 23.8, 12.2;

m.p.: 173° C.

Example 11

5-(4-Hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=0.98 min, [M+1]⁺=353;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 10.2 (s br, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.44-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.33 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54-1.47 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.25 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): 6166.3, 159.9, 148.1, 136.0, 132.6, 130.3, 129.3, 129.0, 128.8, 125.0, 117.3, 116.7, 52.7, 32.7, 20.4, 14.2;

m.p.: 228° C.

Example 12

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

For analytical data see Example 3.

Example 13

5-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=0.99 min, [M+1]⁺=383;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 9.86 (s br, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.52-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.34 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54-1.46 (m, 2H), 1.34-1.25 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 166.2, 149.4, 148.4, 148.1, 136.0, 130.6, 129.3, 129.0, 128.8, 125.5, 123.9, 117.5, 116.7, 115.1, 56.2, 52.6, 32.6, 20.3, 14.2;

m.p.: 164° C.

Example 14

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

For analytical data see Example 4.

Example 15

5-(4-Hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=0.97 min, [M+1]⁺=353;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 11.1 (s br, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.24 (m, 4H), 6.95 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.36-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 1.56-1.47 (m, 2H), 0.84 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): 8166.0, 159.9, 147.5, 136.3, 135.3, 132.7, 131.1, 130.4, 129.6, 129.4, 127.3, 124.9, 117.2, 116.8, 54.7, 23.9, 17.6, 12.2;

m.p.: 198° C.

Example 16

5-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

For analytical data see Example 6.

Example 17

5-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one is obtained following Method C.

LC-MS: t_(R)=1.02 min, [M+1]⁺=403;

¹H-NMR (deutero DMSO): δ 9.86 (s br, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.56-7.50 (m, 3H), 7.40-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.30 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.59-1.50 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H);

¹³C-NMR (deutero DMSO): 8166.0, 149.5, 148.4, 148.0, 137.2, 133.3, 130.86, 130.80, 129.1, 128.9, 128.0, 125.4, 123.9, 117.5, 116.7, 115.2, 56.2, 54.5, 23.9, 12.2;

m.p.: 200° C.

TABLE 3 Results of the one-pot procedure yielding compounds of Formula (II) following Method C Purity of compound Ratio of isomers of of Formula (II) Yield intermediates of by LC-MS Example Compound [%] Formula (I) and (III)^(a)) [area %]^(b)) 7 (II)a 88 97:3 100 8 (II)g 80 94:6 100 9 (II)b 80 94:6 89.0 10 (II)h 96 93:7 100 11 (II)i 82 94:6 100 12 (II)c 86 94:6 97 13 (II)j 84 94:6 76 14 (II)d 83 96:4 100 15 (II)k 78 97:3 94 16 (II)f 84 97:3 98 17 (II)l 84 95:5 100 ^(a))Determined by LC-MS at 250 nm after addition of pyridine, prior to the solvent change to acetic acid. ^(b))at 254 nm

The ratio of isomers as given in the above Table 3 refers to the ratio of the major regioisomer of Formula (I) to the minor regioisomer of Formula (III), said isomers occurring as intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula (II). The ratio of the isomers is determined by LC-MS in an in-process control.

Table 4 below shows the regioselectivity of the 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one scaffold synthesis performed according to Method A of WO 2005/054215 (WO 2005/054215 is hereinafter referred to as D1) compared to Method A of the present invention. The ratios of the regioisomers in the reaction mixtures (i.e. before the work-up procedure) are determined according to the methods indicated in the table.

TABLE 4 Regioselectivity of the 2-imino-thiazolidin-4-one scaffold synthesise^(a)

isopropyl n-propyl Method A Method A R₂ Method A of present Method A of present Method of D1 invention of D1 invention R OCH₃ Br OCH₃ Br R₁ x 2x:3x 2x:3x 4x:5x 4x:5x phenyl a 11:1^(b) 26:1 1:8 25:1 2-methyl-phenyl b  4:1 42:1^(g) 1:10 41:1 3-methyl-phenyl c 13:1 63:1 1:8 34:1 4-methyl-phenyl d 18:1 54:1 1:7 28:1 2,6-dimethyl- e  1:13^(f) 18:1 1:100^(c) 21:1^(d) phenyl 2-chloro-phenyl f  3:1 47:1 1:24^(e) 47:1 R₂ = isopropyl R₂ = n-propyl ^(a)Regio-isomer ratios A:B as assessed by LC-MS run under acidic conditions (Zorbax SB-AQ column, 5 μm, 120 Å, 4.6 × 50 mm (Agilent), gradient: 5-95% acetonitrile in water containing 0.04% of trifluoroacetic acid, within 1 min, flow: 4.5 mL/min) at 230 nm; the following ratios have also been determined by ¹H NMR analysis of the crude reaction mixtures: ^(b)10:1; ^(c)1:42; ^(d)15:1; ^(e)1:19; ^(f) ratio determined by ¹H NMR only; ^(g)ratio determined using LC-MS run under basic conditions (Zorbax Extend C18 column, 5 μm, 80 Å, 4.6 × 50 mm (Agilent), eluting with a gradient of 5-95% of acetonitrile in water containing 13 mM of NH₃).

Table 4 shows that the use of Method A of the present invention leads to a significant improvement with regard to regioselectivity towards the desired regioisomer A when compared to Method A of D1.

The potential effect of the base on regioselectivity has also been investigated. In order to do so, 1-propyl-3-o-tolyl-thiourea, which was obtained by reacting o-tolyl-isothiocyanate with n-propylamine, was treated with one equivalent of bromo-acetyl bromide in dichloromethane. After stirring for 5 minutes two equivalents of either triethylamine or pyridine were added. After stirring for further 5 minutes, a sample was taken and analysed by LC-MS. The analysis showed a conversion of 100% and a ratio of the 2-propylimino-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one isomer to the 3-propyl-2-o-tolylimino-thiazolidin-4-one isomer of 81:19 for triethylamine and 97:3 for pyridine. This shows that the nature of the base has an influence on regioselectivity and that pyridine is superior to triethylamine. 

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of the Formula (I):

wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from C₁₋₇-alkyl and halogen; and R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl; which process comprises reacting a compound of the formula R¹—N═C═S, wherein R¹ is as defined for Formula (I), with a compound of the formula R²—NH₂, wherein R² is as defined for Formula (I), followed by reaction with bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base in the presence of the solvent dichloromethane.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein no isolation and/or purification of intermediates occurs.
 3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the pyridine base is pyridine.
 4. The process according to claim 1, wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with C₁₋₇-alkyl or halogen, and R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl.
 5. The process according to claim 4, wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with methyl or chloro, and R² represents propyl, isopropyl or butyl.
 6. The process according to claim 1 for preparing a compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 3-phenyl-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-thiazolidin-4-one, 2-[(Z)-n-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, and 2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-o-tolyl-thiazolidin-4-one.
 7. A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (II):

wherein R¹ and R² are as defined for Formula (I) in claim 1; and R³ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, or halogen; which process comprises preparing a compound of Formula (I) according to the process of claim 1 and reacting such compound of Formula (I) with a compound of Structure 3:

wherein R³ is as defined for Formula (II) above.
 8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the compound of Formula (I) is reacted with the compound of Structure 3 in the presence of acetic acid and a base, at elevated temperatures.
 9. A process for the preparation of a compound of the Formula (II) according to claim 7, which process comprises reacting a compound of the formula R¹—N═C═S, wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from C₁₋₇-alkyl and halogen, with a compound of the formula R²—NH₂, wherein R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl, followed by reaction with bromo-acetyl bromide and a pyridine base, to obtain a compound of Formula (I).

wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from C₁₋₇-alkyl and halogen; and R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl; followed by reaction with a compound of Structure 3, wherein R³ is as defined in claim 7, characterized in that the compound of Formula (I) is not isolated and/or purified.
 10. The process according to claim 9, wherein the preparation of the compound of Formula (I) occurs in the presence of dichloromethane, followed by a solvent change in order that the reaction with a compound of Structure 3 occurs in the solvent acetic acid and in the presence of a base, at elevated temperatures.
 11. The process according to claim 9, wherein the pyridine base is pyridine.
 12. The process according to claim 7, wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with C₁₋₇-alkyl or halogen, R² represents C₁₋₇-alkyl, and R³ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, or halogen.
 13. The process according to claim 12, wherein R¹ represents phenyl which is optionally mono-substituted with methyl or chloro, R² represents propyl, isopropyl or butyl, and R³ represents hydrogen, methoxy, or chloro.
 14. The process according to claim 7 for preparing a compound selected from the group consisting of: 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(3-chloro-phenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, and 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one.
 15. The process according to claim 7 for preparing a compound selected from the group consisting of: 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-butylimino]-3-phenyl-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-isopropylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, 5-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(o-tolyl)-thiazolidin-4-one, and 5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benz-(Z)-ylidene)-2-[(Z)-propylimino]-3-(3-chlorophenyl)-thiazolidin-4-one. 